2007 Dodge Ram - New-Era Muscle

Mr. Norm's Dodge Ram Super Truck

By Larry Weiner, Photography by Kevin Aguilar

Sport Truck, August 01, 2008

The Mr. Norm's Dodge Ram Super Truck takes the best elements of the original Dodge muscle cars and integrates them with today's state-of-the-art automotive technology. This truck is the prototype for a limited production run of 100 serial-numbered Rams being built by a licensed Chrysler converter at the direction of Mr. Norm. You can order one of these bad boys in any color in the Dodge palette, even the orange you see here. Everything on the prototype can be ordered la carte, so if you don't want something you don't have to buy it. Also, because this vehicle is being sold by Dodge dealers, you can finance your purchase. Each one will be numbered and signed by Mr. Norm and includes a free one-year membership in the Mr. Norm's Sport Club.

This truck design came about after a lengthy bench-racing session between Larry Weiner of Performance West Group and Norm Kraus. Larry and Norm have been friends for many years and both figured enthusiasts would appreciate an affordable sport truck that would fill the hole left in the super truck category when Dodge dropped the SRT10 line-and at a lower price point. A fresh-off-the-assembly-line standard-cab Ram with the 5.7 Hemi and five-speed auto transmission was the starting point for the prototype (although you can order a 2WD or 4x4 in either a regular cab or Quad Cab).

If the Hemi's stock 345hp isn't enough for you, you can add an air-to-water intercooled supercharger kit like Mr. Norm did to his prototype. You can also get a performance cat-back exhaust system to put some more growl at the tailpipe and more ponies in the motor. The prototype truck pumped out over 500 pavement-punishing horsepower after all the modifications, and it's ready to unleash with one mash of the go pedal.

To be considered a new-era muscle machine, the truck would have to perform just as well in the corners as it would in a straight line. To accomplish that, the suspension was dropped a few inches all around and the wheel-and-tire package was upgraded. Rolling stock consists of lightweight 22-inch alloy wheels matched with low-profile, ultrahigh-performance speed-rated tires. The finishing touch on the chassis is a 14-inch brake kit to keep this bulked-up truck under control.

Hemi Orange Pearl, accented with a modern interpretation of the original black C-stripe, was the choice of Mr. Norm, but you can get yours in any color Dodge offers. Additional exterior upgrades include an SRT10 hood and front fascia, hood pins, a billet fuel door, a rear roll pan, and tinted glass. Inside the Ram, the cockpit features a custom leather interior with colorful Mr. Norm's embroidered logos, highlighted by satin-nickel accent trim along with custom carpet mats. Heck, even the bed is upholstered. The final thing you'll find in the prototype is a full custom audio system that does its best to scream as loudly as the blown Hemi.

Whether you're an old-school guy who remembers the badass rides Mr. Norm built back in the day or are fresh from driver's training, this truck is a handful. Bright paint, low suspension, a rockin' audio system, and 500 hp on tap-what more could you ask for?